The Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff exit at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves wasn’t just a wake up call—it was a bright light on their roster weaknesses. With their season over, all eyes are now on GM Rob Pelinka and what he’ll do to fix the huge hole at center. On the Lakeshow podcast, Lakers expert Mike Bresnahan shared his free agency wishlist and it’s clear where he thinks the team should focus: Myles Turner and Naz Reid.
Why the Lakers Need a New Center?
Anyone who watched the Lakers-Timberwolves series knows the issue, size matters in the NBA, and the Lakers were tiny. Pelinka has already said upgrading at center is the top priority this offseason. Whether through free agency or trades, the Lakers need someone who can protect the rim, space the floor and be physical in the paint. Enter Myles Turner and Naz Reid.
Myles Turner: The Rim Protector
Myles Turner is the exact kind of player Rob Pelinka was talking about when he described the ideal center for the Lakers. He’s one of the league’s top shot blockers and averaged 2.2 blocks per game in the first round of the playoffs. But he’s not just a defender – he can also stretch the floor with his shooting and hit corner threes consistently.
Turner would fit in LA seamlessly. He’s not a dominant lob threat, but he’s a perfect complement to Anthony Davis. And after making $20 million this season, he’ll be an unrestricted free agent. If the Lakers can get him, they’d instantly upgrade the frontcourt.
Naz Reid: A Twist of Fate?
Bringing Naz Reid to the Lakers feels like karma after the Timberwolves eliminated them from the playoffs. Reid showed his value in that series and proved he can thrive in big moments. He can block shots, hit threes (he’s 50% from deep in the playoffs), and play physical basketball. He’s an attractive option.
Reid has a $15 million player option for next season, but don’t be surprised if he opts out to get a bigger deal. Multiple teams will chase him hard, but the Lakers can make a strong pitch with their championship pedigree and superstar appeal.
How Naz Reid and Myles Turner Compare?
Both players bring something unique to the table, and their playoff performances speak volumes:
- Naz Reid:
- 50% three-point shooting
- Versatile defender with shot-blocking ability
- Physical presence in the paint
- Myles Turner:
- 2.2 blocks per game in the playoffs
- Floor-spacing big man with consistent shooting
- Playoff-tested experience
Both players have been efficient, scoring above 50% from the field, and would give the Lakers much-needed size and rim protection.
The Lakers’ Offseason Strategy
The Lakers’ offseason strategy is all about finding the right pieces to complement LeBron James. Free agency will be a major focus, but not the only one. That means exploring trades for stars who can give the team a real boost. Turner and Reid are two realistic options that stand out as just that: low-risk investments with high potential rewards.
With LeBron not getting any younger, the stakes are high. The window to compete for another championship is closing fast. What could make the difference between another early exit and a deep playoff run is a reliable center. That’s what Rob Pelinka is working to secure.
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